Storage and display systems for footwear

ABSTRACT

Inserts for boots are configured to retain the shape of the boot during storage and/or display of the boots. In some examples, an insert includes a resilient sheet and a hanging mechanism. The hanging mechanism is configured to allow selective suspension of a boot. The resilient sheet is configured to be moveable between an unrolled position, a rolled boot insertion position, and a rolled boot supporting position where at least a portion of an outer wall of the resilient sheet is abutted to at least a portion of an inner surface of the boot. In some further examples, insert includes a sleeve that substantially covers the resilient sheet.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to boot inserts. In particular, rollable boot inserts including hanging features are described.

Footwear (e.g., boot, shoes, etc.) is often collected by wearers so that they have a variety of footwear options. Further, footwear is displayed in stores so that potential wearers can browse footwear styles for purchase. Thus, footwear that is in the collection of a wearer and/or footwear that is displayed in a store are often in a storage/display condition, rather than a condition of being worn.

Known storage and/or display systems and devices for footwear are not entirely satisfactory for the range of applications in which they are employed. For example, existing storage and/or display systems and devices for footwear do not support the body of the footwear (e.g., the shaft of a boot, the vamp or upper of a shoe, etc.) in an uptight position. Thus, an appearance of the footwear item is distorted (e.g., the shaft of a boot folded over) and the footwear item can be damaged over time. In addition, many conventional storage and/or display systems and devices for footwear do not allow the footwear item to be suspended (i.e., hanging of the footwear item). In even another example, many storage and/or display systems and devices for footwear are complicated to use, expensive to produce, and do not have a aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Thus, there exists a need for storage and/or display systems and devices for footwear that improve upon and advance the design of known storage and/or display systems and devices for footwear. Examples of new and useful storage and/or display systems and devices for footwear relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below.

Disclosure addressing one or more of the identified existing needs is provided in the detailed description below. Examples of references relevant to storage and/or display systems and devices for footwear include U.S. patent References: U.S. Pat. No. 3,249,231, U.S. Pat. No. 3,681,804, U.S. Pat. NO. 6,467,115, U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,331, U.S. Pat. No. 7,775,410, patent publication 20080116235, patent publication 20110240691, and patent publication 2013005510. The complete disclosures of the above patents and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to an insert for a boot that is configured to retain the shape of the boot during storage and/or display of the boot. In some examples, the insert includes a resilient sheet and a hanging mechanism. The hanging mechanism is configured to allow selective suspension of the boot. The resilient sheet is configured to be moveable between an unrolled position, a rolled boot insertion position where the resilient sheet has a first roll diameter, and a rolled boot supporting position where the resilient sheet has a second roll diameter. In these examples, the first roll diameter is less than the second roll diameter. Further, at least a portion of an outer wall of the resilient sheet is abutted to at least a portion of an inner surface of the boot in the rolled boot supporting position. In some further examples, insert includes a sleeve that substantially covers the resilient sheet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a first example of a boot insert depicting an unrolled configuration.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the first example of a boot insert shown in FIG. 1 depicting a rolled configuration.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are top plan views of the first example of a boot insert shown in FIG. 1 depicting the boot insert in the rolled configuration inserted into a boot in a contracted state and an expanded state, respectively.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the first example of a boot insert shown in FIG. 1 depicting the boot insert in the rolled configuration inserted into a boot.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are side elevation views of the first example of a boot insert shown in FIG. 1 depicting the boot insert in the rolled configuration inserted into a boot and in the expanded state, the elongate strap in a non-attached configuration and an attached configuration, respectively.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first example of a boot insert shown in FIG. 1 depicting the boot insert in the rolled configuration inserted into a boot and in the expanded state, the elongate strap in the attached configuration around a rod.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed storage and/or display systems and devices for footwear will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various storage and/or display systems and devices for footwear are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.

With reference to FIGS. 1-6, a first example of a storage and/or display system for footwear, storage and/or display system 100, will now be described. Storage and/or display system 100 includes a rollable insert 102 having a resilient sheet 104 covered (i.e., enclosed) by a sleeve 106 and a hanging mechanism 108. Storage and/or display system 100 functions to maintain a shape of a footwear item during storage and/or display. Additionally or alternatively, storage and/or display system 100 can be used to suspend (i.e., hang) a footwear item.

Footwear items that can be used in combination with storage and/or display system 100 can include boots (i.e., foot wear having a sole, a vamp, and a shaft), shoes (i.e., footwear having a sole and a vamp), etc. Further, in some examples, the presently described system can be used to maintain a shape of and/or suspend any item that has at least a vertical wall and a top opening (e.g., a tube, a pipe, a cup, a sock, etc.).

Storage and/or display system 100 addresses many of the shortcomings existing with conventional storage and/or display systems for footwear. For example, the presently described storage and/or display system for footwear supports the body of a footwear item (e.g., the shaft of a boot), thereby giving the footwear item a non-distorted appearance and limiting damage creasing, tearing, etc.) to the boot from being kept in a distorted position. In another example, the presently described storage and/or display system for footwear allows the footwear item to be suspended (i.e., hung), which can be desirable for either of storage or display. In even another example, the subject footwear storage and/or display system is inexpensive to produce and has an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

As described above and shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, storage and/or display system 100 includes rollable insert 102 (being comprised of resilient sheet 104, sleeve 106, and hanging mechanism 108). Resilient sheet 104 is moveable between an unrolled position 110 (depicted FIG. 1) and a rolled position 112 (depicted in FIG. 2). Further, rolled position 112 includes a more tightly rolled footwear insertion position 114 (depicted in FIG. 3A) and a less tightly rolled footwear supporting position 116 (depicted in FIG. 3B). Thus, resilient sheet 104 is also moveable between boot insertion position 114 and footwear supporting position 116.

In the depicted example of FIG. 1, resilient sheet 104 has a generally rectangular (e.g., square) with rounded corners and planar configuration (in the unrolled position 110). Resilient sheet 104 has an overall height A and an overall width B. In one specific example, the height A is 17.5 in and the width B is 15 in.

It will be appreciated that the resilient sheet can be made in a variety of sizes to accommodate (i.e., display and/or store) a variety of sizes and/or shapes for footwear. For example, rollable insert 102 can be manufactured in small, medium, and large sizes. In one specific example, the small size insert includes a resilient sheet that is 13.5 in×15 in, the medium size insert includes a resilient sheet that is 17.5 in×15 in, and the large insert includes a resilient sheet that is 21.5 in×15 in. It will be appreciated that in alternate examples for multiple sizes of inserts, the resilient sheets can be manufactured with various the widths and/or the heights as desired (e.g., 13.5 in×13.5 in, 17.5 in×15 in, 21.5 in×17.5 in, etc.)

As shown in FIG. 1, resilient sheet 104 includes a first side edge 118, a second side edge 120, a top edge 122, and a bottom edge 124. An intersection between top edge 122 and side edges 118 and 120 includes continuously curving corners 126. An intersection between bottom edge 124 and side edges 118 and 120 includes non-continuously curving corners 128. More specifically, non-continuously curving corners 128 include edge points 130 that are continuous with side edges 124 and 118. From edge points 130 corners 128 are curved and continuous with bottom edge 124.

In alternate examples, the resilient sheet can have a different shape. In one specific alternate example, the resilient sheet is rectangular and has pointed intersecting corners. In another specific alternate example, the resilient sheet is circular and the edges comprise a single perimeter edge haying a continuously curving arc. Alternatively, the resilient sheet is oval and the edges comprise a single perimeter edge having a non-continuously curving arc. It will be appreciated that the resilient sheet can have any desired shape that suitable for its intended function (e.g., octagonal, hexagonal, having rounded, straight, and/or a combination of rounded and straight corners and/or edges, etc.).

Resilient sheet 104 is comprised of a resilient material. In other words, the resilient sheet is comprised of a material that is flexible and/or moveable when a force is applied to the sheet, but returns to it's original shape when the force is removed. In one specific example, the resilient sheet is comprised of crosslink foam. More specifically, the resilient sheet is comprised of 2 lb to 8 lb crosslink polyethylene foam having a thickness of ⅜ in to ½ in. It will be appreciated that the resilient sheet can be comprised of any resilient material that is suitable for its intended function (i.e., flexible into a rolled position and biased toward an unrolled position to provide an outward force on an inner wall of a footwear item). Examples of other materials for the resilient sheet include but are not limited to polyurethane foam, synthetic polymers, etc.

Sleeve 106 substantially covers (i.e., encloses resilient sheet 104 and therefore is complimentarily configured. In other words, the sleeve includes a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge that are aligned with and complimentarily configured to first side edge 118, second side edge 120, top edge 122, and bottom edge 124, respectively.

The sleeve is comprised of a flexible material that can be easily moved with the resilient sheet. In one example, the sleeve is comprised of fabric (e.g., cotton, velvet, felt, rayon etc.). In alternate examples, the sleeve is comprised of a non-fabric material (e.g., silicone, plastic, etc.). Generally, the sleeve provides a finished and aesthetically pleasing appearance for the insert.

In some examples, the material of the sleeve has a greater friction coefficient than the material of the resilient sheet and provides higher friction against an inner surface of a footwear item. In these examples, the higher friction sleeve can assist in preventing slipping of the footwear item during suspension. In still other examples, the material of the sleeve has a lower friction coefficient than the material of the resilient sheet and provides lower friction against an inner surface of a footwear item. In these examples, the lower friction sleeve can more easily be inserted into a footwear item.

As stated above, resilient sheet 104 is movable between unrolled position 110 and rolled position 112 (e.g., footwear insertion position 114 and rolled footwear supporting position 116). In unrolled position 110 (shown in FIG. 1), rollable insert 102 can be stored and/or transported. Further, multiple rollable inserts can be stacked for storage and/or transport.

As shown it FIGS. 2 and 3A, resilient sheet 104 is deformable when manipulated by a user and can be moved into rolled footwear insertion position 114 for insert into a footwear item 148 (e.g., insertion into the shaft of a boot) by rolling and/or folding one of the side edges over the other. In the depicted example of FIGS. 2 and 3A, first side edge 118 is disposed over second side edge 120. The boot insertion position is maintained by grasping and/or holding of the resilient sheet by the user.

The dimensions of the rolled of the resilient sheet have a height F and a width G, that are less than the dimensions of a footwear item opening 150, which has a height H and a width I. The overall dimensions of the rolled resilient sheet (i.e., F×G) are smaller than the overall dimensions of the footwear item opening (i.e., H×I) so that the resilient sheet can be easily inserted into the footwear item. In one specific example, the values for F, G, H, and I are 4 in, 3, in, 6 in, and 4.5 in, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 3A, a space 152 is disposed between an outer surface 152 of the rolled resilient sheet and an inner wall 154 of the footwear item. It will be appreciated that the resilient sheet can be more tightly or loosely rolled for the boot insertion position depending on the size of an opening of a footwear item. It will be further appreciated that in some examples the rolled resilient sheet can contact a portion of the inner surface of the boot in the rolled boot insertion position (i.e., space 152 can be discontinuous around the periphery of the rolled resilient sheet).

FIG. 4 shows the resilient sheet inserted into footwear item 148. After insertion into the footwear item, the user can release a hold and/or grasp on the resilient sheet. As shown in FIG. 3B, after the user releases the hold and/or grasp the resilient sheet will partially unroll and/or expand outwardly until at least a portion of outer surface 152 of the rolled resilient sheet abuts inner wall 154 of footwear item 148.

Because the resilient sheet is biased toward unrolled position 110, when released resilient sheet 104 moves from footwear insertion position 114 to footwear supporting position 116. As such, the resilient sheet provides an outward force on at least the portion of the inner surface of the footwear item that is contacted by the resilient sheet.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the overall dimensions of the rolled resilient sheet are increased to having a height J and a width K that are greater than the height F and the width G, respectively. Further, the height J and the width K are slightly less than the height H and the width I, respectively. In one specific example, the height I is 5.9 in and the width K is 4.9 in. In some examples, the roll of the resilient sheet has a first diameter in the rolled footwear insertion position and a second diameter in the rolled footwear supporting position, the first diameter being less than the second diameter.

As depicted in FIG. 4, in the present example, footwear item 148 is a boot including a sole 158, a vamp 160, and a shaft 162. The roll of resilient sheet 104 is inserted downward from opening 150 toward sole 158 so that tom edge 124 is proximal to sole 158 while top edge 122 is proximal to opening 150. Thus, in the rolled footwear supporting position, the resilient sheet supports at least shaft 162. In sonic examples, the resilient sheet further supports vamp 160 in the rolled footwear supporting position. Accordingly, a shape of the shaft and/or the boot is supported during storage and/or display of the boot giving the boot a pleasing appearance (i.e., an appearance of being worn) and preventing damage to the boot (e.g., creasing and/or wear on the material from folding and/or distortion).

Returning attention to FIGS. 1 and 2, hanging mechanism 108 is attached to top edge 122 of resilient sheet 104 and/or sleeve 106. In some examples, the hanging mechanism is attached to the sleeve and, in other examples the hanging mechanism is attached directly to the resilient sheet. In still other examples, the hanging mechanism is attached to both of the sleeve and the resilient sheet.

In the present example, hanging mechanism 108 is comprised of fabric and is sewn to the sleeve and/or the resilient sheet (i.e., the hanging mechanism is attached via weaving of thread/sewing). In other examples, the hanging mechanism can be attached via a different mechanism (e.g. an adhesive, a zipper, be a continuous material with the sleeve, etc.). Further, in one example, the hanging mechanism is comprised of fabric. More specifically, the hanging mechanism is comprised of the same, material as the sleeve cotton, velvet, felt, rayon, silicone, plastic, etc.). In alternate examples, the hanging mechanism is comprised of a different material than the sleeve.

As depicted in FIGS. 1-6, hanging mechanism 108 is generally an elongate strap 132 having a first end 134 with a first coupling partner 136 and a second end 138 with a second coupling partner 140. In the present example, the first end is proximal to the resilient sheet and the second end is distal to the resilient sheet.

Elongate strap 132 has a length C. In one specific example the length C is 9.25 in. Further, in the present configuration the elongate strap has a continuously decreasing width, being wider at the first end (having a width D) and narrower at the second end (having a width E). In one specific example, the widest width of the strap is 3 in (i.e., the width D is 3 in) and the narrowest width of the strap is 1.75 in (i.e., the width E is 1.75 in).

In alternate examples, the elongate strap can have a wider width at the second and a smaller width at the first end. In other alternate examples, the elongate strap can have an equal width at the first and second ends. In these other alternate example, the elongate strap can have an equal width in a center of the strap (i.e., have an overall rectangular shape) or the elongate strap can have a narrower width in a center of the strap (i.e., have an overall parabolic/ hourglass shape).

The first coupling partner and the second coupling partner comprise a coupling mechanism. Further, the first coupling partner and the second coupling partner are selectively matable. In an uncoupled position 140 (depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5A), the elongate strap is in an extended configuration 142 (i.e., a free configuration). In a couple position 144 (depicted in FIGS. 5B and 6), the elongate strap is in a looped configuration 146 (i.e., the elongate strap forms a loop).

In the present example, the coupling mechanism is a snap and the first coupling partner is a female snap member and the second coupling partner is a male snap member. In alternate examples the coupling mechanism can be any selectively matable coupling partners known or yet to be discovered button and a button hole, a hook and a loop, a hook material and a loop material, etc.).

Turning now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in order to move elongate strap 132 from uncoupled position and extended configuration 140/142 into coupled position and looped configuration 144/146, the elongate strap is folded downward and inward toward footwear item 148 to form a loop 164.

Loop 164 is configured to receive an object for selectively suspending footwear item 148. In the example of FIG. 6, loop 164 receives a rod 166 for suspension of footwear item 148. In other examples, the loop can receive a hook, a wire, or another object for selective suspension of the footwear item.

During suspension of footwear item 148, resilient sheet 104 is retained within footwear item 148. The outward force (i.e., the biasing force towards the unrolled position) of the resilient sheet on the inner surface of the footwear item, in combination with friction between an outer surface of the sleeve and the inner surface of the footwear item, is strong enough to support the weight of the footwear item even in a suspended condition. In other words, the resilient sheet is configured to hold the footwear item as the hanging mechanism is attached to an object for suspending the footwear item.

Suspension of the footwear item allows for hanging the footwear item in a display and/or hanging the footwear item for storage. In one specific example, the footwear item is hung in on a closet rod via the rollable insert. A shape of the footwear item is supported by the resilient sheet pressing outwardly into the inner wall of the footwear item. Further, the footwear item is suspended to assist in maintaining a desired shape of the footwear item and prevent damage to the footwear item. Furthermore, the footwear item is clearly visible to a user when suspended and space within the closet may be used more efficiently.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein. 

1. An insert for a boot, the insert configured to retain a shape of the boot during one or more of storage and display of the boot, the boot having a sole, a vamp, and a shaft, the insert comprising: a resilient sheet, the resilient sheet being configured to be moveable between: an unrolled position, a rolled boot insertion position where the resilient sheet has a first roll diameter, and a rolled boot supporting position where the resilient sheet has a second roll diameter, the first roll diameter being less than the second roll diameter; and a hanging mechanism, the hanging mechanism configured to allow selective suspension of the boot, wherein at least a portion of an outer wall of the resilient sheet is abutted to at least a portion of an inner surface of the shaft in the rolled boot supporting position.
 2. The insert of claim 1, wherein the resilient sheet is biased toward the unrolled position.
 3. The insert of claim 1, wherein in the rolled boot supporting position, the resilient sheet is configured to provide an outward force on at least the portion of the inner surface of the vamp abutted by the outer wall of the resilient sheet.
 4. The insert of claim 1, further comprising a sleeve for substantially covering the resilient sheet.
 5. The insert of claim 4, wherein a periphery of the resilient sheet has an upper sheet edge and an opposing lower sheet edge and a periphery of the sleeve has an upper sleeve edge and an opposing lower sleeve edge, the upper sleeve edge being aligned with the upper sheet edge and the lower sleeve edge being aligned with the lower sheet edge, and in the rolled boot supporting position, the lower sheet edge is proximal to the vamp and the upper sheet edge is proximal to a top of the shaft.
 6. The insert of claim 5, wherein the hanging mechanism is attached to one or more of the upper sheet edge and the upper sleeve edge.
 7. The insert of claim 1, wherein the hanging mechanism comprises an elongate strap, the elongate strap having a first end and an opposing second end, the elongate strap further having a coupling mechanism for coupling the first end to the second end to form a loop.
 8. The insert of claim 7, wherein the loop is configured to receive one or more of a rod and a hook.
 9. The insert of claim 7, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a first coupling partner on the first end of the elongate strap and a second coupling partner on the second end of the elongate strap, the first coupling partner being selectively matable to the second coupling partner.
 10. The insert of claim 9, wherein the first coupling partner is a first snap member and the second coupling partner is a second snap member.
 11. The insert of claim 7, further comprising a sleeve for substantially covering the resilient sheet, the sleeve and the elongate strap being comprised of fabric.
 12. The insert of claim 1, wherein the resilient sheet is comprised of crosslink foam.
 13. An insert for a footwear item, the insert configured to retain the shape of the footwear item during one or more of storage and display of the footwear item, the footwear item having a body with a sole and an opening, the insert comprising: a resilient sheet, the resilient sheet being foam sheet that is moveable between an unrolled position and a rolled position, the resilient sheet being biased toward the unrolled position; a sleeve for substantially covering the resilient sheet; and a hanging mechanism attached to one or more of the resilient sheet and the sleeve, the hanging mechanism configured to be extended outwardly beyond the opening of the footwear item and allow selective suspension of the footwear item, wherein the resilient sheet is configured to be inserted through the opening of the footwear item and into the body of the footwear item, wherein at least a portion of an outer wall the resilient sheet is configured to abut at least a portion of an inner surface of the body of the footwear item, and wherein the resilient sheet is configured to provide an outward force on at least the portion of the inner surface of the body of the footwear its abutted by the outer wall of the resilient sheet.
 14. The insert of claim 13, wherein the hanging mechanism comprises an elongate strap, the elongate strap having a first end and an opposing second end, the elongate strap further having a coupling mechanism for coupling the first end to the second end to form a loop.
 15. The insert of claim 14, wherein the loop is configured to receive one or more of a rod and a hook.
 16. The insert of claim 14, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a first coupling partner on the first end of the elongate strap and a second coupling partner on the second end of the elongate strap, the first coupling partner being selectively matable to the second coupling partner.
 17. An insert for selectively hanging an item, the item having a body with an opening, the insert comprising: a resilient sheet, the resilient sheet being a foam sheet that is moveable between an unrolled position and a rolled position, the resilient sheet being biased toward the unrolled position; and a hanging mechanism attached to the resilient sheet, the hanging mechanism configured to be extended outwardly beyond the opening of the item and allow selective hanging of the item, wherein the resilient sheet is configured to be inserted through the opening of the item and into the body of the item, wherein at least a portion of an outer wall the resilient sheet is configured to abut at least a portion of an inner surface of the body of the item, and wherein the resilient sheet is configured to provide an outward force on at least the portion of the inner surface of the body of the item abutted by the outer wall of the resilient sheet.
 18. The insert of claim 17, further comprising a sleeve for substantially covering the resilient sheet, wherein a periphery of the resilient sheet has an upper sheet edge and an opposing lower sheet edge and a periphery of the sleeve has an upper sleeve edge and an opposing lower sleeve edge, the upper sleeve edge being aligned with the upper sheet edge and the lower sleeve edge being aligned with the lower sheet edge, and the hanging mechanism is attached to the resilient sheet via attachment to the upper sleeve edge.
 19. The insert of claim 18, wherein the hanging mechanism comprises an elongate strap, the elongate strap having a first end and an opposing second end, the elongate strap further having a coupling mechanism for coupling the first end to the second end to form a loop, the loop being configured to receive one or more of a rod and a hook.
 20. The insert of claim 19, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a first coupling partner on the first end of the elongate strap and a second coupling partner on the second end of the elongate strap, the first coupling partner being selectively matable to the second coupling partner. 